Lyrath Estate

The Lyrath Estate

Lyrath Estate Hotel is a 139-bedroom hotel, spa and convention centre set amid 170 acres of mature parkland just 1.2 kilometres from the medieval city of Kilkenny. A family friendly hotel, the property offers all of the charm of an old world country estate combined with the very best in contemporary facilities and luxuries.

A €5 million investment was recently completed at Lyrath Estate. All of the bedrooms have been upgraded, a new restaurant was opened and all of the public areas have been completely redecorated, whilst extensive works have been done outside (including the addition of a playground and an outdoor dining and BBQ area).

Facilities include a 17-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna, jacuzzi and fitness centre. The Oasis Spa incorporates several treatment rooms, offering face and body treatments for both men and women. The thermal suite in the spa booast several heating and cooling experiences, as well as a stunning outdoor hydro therapy pool which looks out on to the private gardens. The property can also cater for large conferences and events in the purpose-built Convention Centre, ‘The Kilkenny Convention Centre’, which is capable of seating up to 1,500 people and has all of the very latest in technological and conferencing equipment. As well as plenty of festivals in the summer, Lyrath also offers a ‘Winter Warmer Package’. The gardens in the season are transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for a magical getaway.

The hotel itself has been built around an elegant 17th century house which has been restored to its former glory through preservation and now houses lots of the original features and furniture. The drama of the old house and the smooth, contemporary design of the new hotel are blended seamlessly which makes it feel like stepping into the past, whilst at the same time remaining firmly in the present – a nice combination for guests looking to get away and recharge.

Chrisna Duffy who was the lead designer of the project, worked closely with the owners of the hotel for two and half years to give the hotel its new charm. She said:

“It was a very enjoyable project. We started with the downstairs bar and the conservatory, and it escalated from there. We continued on with the conference centre, all the bedrooms and the upstairs bar and lobby. The brief was very specific; the hotel was to have a general appeal to everyone, whilst being given its own unique style at the same time.”

The conservatory, which overlooks the rose garden, includes furnishings of a comfortable grey with pink piping to finish off the relaxing atmosphere. Moving through the corridors, there are giant modern digital prints in ornate gold frames on the walls – just one example of Lyrath’s old charm blending with the contemporary.

The Grill, the newest addition to Lyrath’s food destinations, has been designed in a rustic and welcoming fashion. With plenty of character, the red brick walls, red leather booths and fun animal motifs have made the restaurant a great option for friends and family. The 120-seater bistro is situated on the mezzanine level of the triple height foyer and the restaurant serves an impressive selection of steak and seafood. Head chef, Kenneth Murphy leads the team and has designed a menu that offers diners the chance to mix and match dishes, cuts of meats and seafood tailored to the guests own requirement. Signature dishes include The Tomahawk Steak, The Naked Burger and fresh lobsters picked from the tank. Kenneth has a real passion for food and wants to be able to share that passion with his customers, he said:

“We want people to feel they are part of our foodie experience. Guests can pick their own cut of meat, decide how they want it cooked and even pick out their own lobster from the tank. The Grill offers people a chance to have an input into their dish. We also have an open kitchen so once you’ve ordered you can sit back and watch us get to work. It’s a fun experience!”

So, for those looking for a stay revolving around food, the hotel has plenty of choice. It’s fine dining Yew Restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes offering guests a wonderful culinary experience in an elegant space while ‘Tupper’s Bar’ and ‘The Conservatory’ serve light bites. The Atrium, overlooking the estate’s lakes is also famous for its Afternoon Tea and delicate pastries.

With the transformation of the hotel being recently completed, and all it has to offer, there’s no better time to experience Lyrath Estate.

Caragh Nurseries

Caragh Nurseries is a specialist nursery producing and supplying Mature and Specimen Trees and plants. The family owned and run business has been in operation for 26 years, headed by husband and wife team Ian and Jo McGarry.

Caragh Nurseries works across the hospitality, residential and commercial sectors. The company employs a dedicated team for hospitality projects that have been creating beautiful gardens for a number of hotels, restaurants and spas.

Caragh Nurseries has been lucky enough to work with some big names within the hospitality industry including The Conrad, No.1 Ballsbridge, The K Club, The Curragh Racecourse, Palmerstown House, Keadeen Hotel, Punchestown Racecourse and The Galgorm Resort & Spa. The company recently worked on the gardens at Lyrath Estate.

Jo McGarry, Caragh Nurseries, commented:

“It is always an honour to be involved in the gardens of such a well-known and well regarded establishment like the Lyrath. The fact that it is owner run makes it even more special as we are working with someone who puts all their passion as well as their money and is investing in us, in our design and putting their faith in us creating something that will be individual to them.”

Jo added:

“We listen to what our clients need, we ask questions and then try to add value, suggesting things that they might not have thought of and advising them of the practicalities of the design. We now do mostly our own design work and we are happier knowing that we are giving gardens that stand the test of time and that people love.”